Boom assembly for a hose drag system

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for application of a liquid or liquid-solid solution to soil includes an articulating tractor, a frame, a pivot point, a boom and a drag hose. The articulating tractor has a front portion and a rear portion connected to an articulation point. The rear portion has a rear wheel axle. The frame is adapted to mount on the rear portion of the articulating tractor. The frame has a front frame end located between the rear wheel axle and the articulation point. The pivot point is on the front frame end and positioned about 12 inches or more from the rear wheel axle. The boom pivotally attaches to the pivot point. The drag hose has a distal end in fluid communication with a source of liquid or solid-liquid solution and a proximal end coupled to the boom.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority as a divisional application under 35U.S.C. §121 of earlier filed application Ser. No. 12/386,544, entitled“BOOM ASSEMBLY FOR A HOSE DRAG SYSTEM” by Tom Schottler and filed onApr. 20, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Wastewater, including liquid and liquid-solid manure and municipal andindustrial wastewater is a valuable source of nutrients for agriculture.For example, wastewater is a good resource of nitrogen. For a consistentyield and ascetics, the wastewater preferably is evenly distributed overthe land. Because of the high nutrient concentration of wastewater,non-uniform application can result in an unequal growth distribution inthe field.

Over the years many different methods and machines have been developedto more efficiently and effectively apply wastewater to land andagricultural fields. In some applications, a tractor pulls a wagon orsimilar apparatus containing the wastewater for application. In otherapplications, a tractor is connected to a source of wastewater by a longhose. This type of application is known as a hose drag system.

In a hose drag system, wastewater is pumped from a storage facility orlagoon through a flexible woven hose to a tractor that distributes thewastewater over land. The hose can be long enough to allow landapplication of the wastewater many miles from the storage site. A hosedrag system eliminates transferring the wastewater from a storagefacility to a wagon for application, thus, reducing the applicationtime.

Wastewater can be land applied using several different techniques.First, the wastewater can be broadcast on the surface of the soil, andthen optionally worked into the soil. Another method includes injectingor knifing the wastewater into the ground. A further method includesmixing the wastewater with the soil during aeration or tillage of thesoil. Benefits of hose drag systems include reduced odor, increasedavailability of nitrogen to the plants, decreased soil compaction, andreduced application time.

To further reduce the time required for application, the flow ratethrough the hose drag system can be increased. A higher flow ratethrough the hose delivers more wastewater per minute to the applicator,allowing the field speed to be increased while maintaining the sameapplication rate. Removing or reducing flow impediments in the systemimproves the flow rate through the system. For example, a tractorusually pulls the hose of a hose drag system in a serpentine-shapedpattern across the field to avoid kinking the hose. The hose is flexibleand forms smooth “S” shaped curves at the end of rows. The smooth curvesreduce impediments to the fluid flow.

In order to further reduce application time, an improved hose dragsystem for the application of wastewater is necessary.

SUMMARY

An apparatus for application of a liquid or liquid-solid solution tosoil includes an articulating tractor, a frame, a boom and a drag hose.The articulating tractor has a front portion and a rear portion. Thefront portion and the rear portion are connected to an articulationpoint that allows articulated movement of the front portion and the rearportion in relation to one another. The rear portion has a rear wheelaxle and the front portion has a front wheel axle. The frame is adaptedto mount on the rear portion of the articulating tractor. The frame hasa front frame end and a rear frame end. The front frame end is locatedbetween the rear wheel axle and the articulation point. The rear frameend is located opposite the frame front end and rearward of the rearwheel axle. The front frame end includes a pivot point positioned about12 inches or more from the rear wheel axle. The boom pivotally attachesto the pivot point so that the boom can pivot along a substantiallyhorizontal plane about a vertical axis. The drag hose has a distal endand a proximal end. The distal end is in fluid communication with asource of liquid or solid-liquid solution, and the proximal end iscoupled to the boom.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hose drag system having a boomassembly.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hose drag system of FIG. 1from a top view.

FIG. 3 is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating the flow ofwastewater through the hose drag system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is an enlarged side view of a knuckle section of the boomassembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is an enlarged top view of the knuckle section of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a tow gauge for the hose drag system ofFIG. 1.

It is noted that the figures are not to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of hose drag system 10 which includesarticulating tractor 12 (including front portion 14, rear portion 16,articulation point 18 (shown in FIG. 2), front axle 20, cab 22, fronttires 24, rear axle 26 and rear tires 28), boom assembly 30 (whichincludes frame 32, stops 34, boom 36, knuckle 38, tow yoke 40 and pivotpoint 42), hose 44 and applicator assembly 46. Boom assembly 30 andapplicator assembly 46 mount to tractor 12. Hose 44 attaches to boomassembly 30. In use, wastewater is pumped from a storage facility, suchas a lagoon, through hose 44 to boom assembly 30 for land application.Applicator assembly 46 follows tractor 12 and assists in the applicationprocess.

Articulating tractor 12 is a four-wheel drive tractor or quad-tracmachine having two halves, front portion 14 and rear portion 16. Frontportion 14 and rear portion 16 are joined at articulation point 18(shown in FIG. 2) so that front portion 14 and rear portion 16articulate or move relative to each other. Front portion 14 includesfront axle 20 and cab 22. Front tires 24 mount on front axle 20. Thenumber and size of front tires 24 can be varied depending on the fieldconditions. In one example, articulating tractor 12 has dual front tires24. Weights can also be added to front axle 20. Cab 22 is located behindfront axle 20 and forward of articulation point 18. Cab 22 provides asheltered environment for an operator of articulating tractor 12.

Rear portion 16 of articulating tractor 12 includes rear axle 26. Rearaxle 26 is located behind or aft of articulation point 18. Rear tires 28mount on rear axle 26. The number and size of rear tires 28 can bevaried depending on the field conditions. In one example, articulatingtractor 12 has dual rear tires 28.

Boom assembly 30 mounts on rear portion 16 of articulating tractor 12,and includes boom 36, which is supported by frame 32. Frame 32 mounts tothe top surface of rear portion 16. Boom assembly 30 has a low profileand minimally affects visibility out the rear of cab 22. This allows theoperator in cab 22 to observe the operation of the equipment behind cab22, such as boom assembly 30 and applicator assembly 46.

Boom 36 includes forward end 48 and aft end 50. Forward end 48 connectsto pivot point 42, and aft end 50 connects to hose 44. Boom 36 pivotsabout pivot point 42 while sliding or rolling over the top surface offrame 32. Stops 34 are placed on either side of frame 32 to limit theradial movement of boom 36 as explained further below.

One end of hose 44 attaches to aft end 50 of boom assembly 30 and asecond end of hose 44 is in fluid communicate with a source ofwastewater. Wastewater is pumped from a storage facility, such as alagoon or supply station, to boom 36 through hose 44. In one example, acentrifugal pump is used to pump the wastewater from the storagefacility through hose 44. Hose 44 extends from the storage facility tothe tractor 12. Tractor 12 pulls hose 44 back and forth across the fieldduring the application process. Hose 44 can be several miles long,allowing the wastewater to be applied many miles from the storagefacility. Hose 44 is a flexible woven hose. The outside of hose 44 isabrasion resistant to reduce wear on hose 44 from objects on the ground.For example, rocks and sticks can rub on hose 44, causing wear andincreasing maintenance on hose 44. The diameter of hose 44 depends onseveral factors such as the wastewater properties and the pumpingequipment used. In one example, hose 44 has an inner diameter of about12.7 cm (5 inches), about 15.2 (6 inches) or about 20.3 (8 inches).However, hose 44 can have any suitable diameter.

Inner hose 52 attaches to hose 44 and extends the length of boom 36 fortransporting wastewater through boom 36. Hose 44 attaches to inner hose52 at aft end 50 of boom 36. In one example, inner hose 52 connects tohose 44 by a disconnectable connector so that hose 44 can bedisconnected from inner hose 52. In one example, inner hose 52 has aninner diameter equal to the inner diameter of hose 44. Inner hose 52 isflexible so that it conforms to the shape of boom 36, reducingimpediments to the flow of wastewater.

Tow yoke 40 assists in attaching hose 44 to aft end 50 of boom assembly30. Tow yoke 40 maintains hose 44 in fluid communication with innerliner 52 so that wastewater flows from hose 44 to inner hose 52. Towyoke 40 can be a hinged assembly to allow quick connection of hose 44and inner hose 52.

Boom 36 comprises five boom segments, first boom segment 36A, secondboom segment 36B, third boom segment 36C, fourth boom segment 36D andfifth boom segment 36E. The segmented design of boom 36 providesvertical and horizontal freedom, and assists in improving the fluid flowrate through system 10, as described further below. Boom 36 is formedfrom a durable material such as steel or another metal. Boom 36 protectsinner hose 52 from ultra-violet light (UV) damage from sunlight. Boom 36also protects inner hose 52 from other types of damage from exposuresuch as cuts and abrasions.

Second, third, fourth and fifth boom segments 36B, 36C, 36D and 36E,respectively, form knuckle 38. Knuckle 38 gives boom 36 additionalvertical and horizontal freedom as described further below with regardsto FIGS. 4A and 4B. Knuckle 38 is configured to permit select boomsegments to pivot. Each pivotable boom segment is limited so that anangle greater than about 30° from center cannot be formed. Inner hose 52extends through knuckle 38 and conforms to the shape of knuckle 38 suchthat knuckle 38 affects the flow path of wastewater through boom 36.Because the fluid flow rate decreases every time the wastewater changesdirection, with sharper angles, such as 90° angles, causing moreimpedance to fluid flow, the gradual flow path changes created byknuckle 38 improves the fluid flow rate.

Boom 36 must be long enough to clear rear tires 28 and applicatorassembly 46. In one example, first boom segment 36A is about 345.4 cm(136 inches) long and applicator assembly 46 is about 731.5 cm (288inches) wide. In another example, first boom segment 36A is about 711.2cm (280 inches) long and applicator assembly 46 is about 1,524 cm (600inches) wide.

Tractor 12 can exert more force on hose 44 than hose 44 can withstand.When there is too much force on hose 44, hose 44 tears or breaks freefrom boom 36. Thus, the operator must monitor the force on hose 44. Atow gauge, such as the one illustrated in FIG. 5, can be used to measurethe force on hose 44. The reading from the tow gauge can be displayed ontow gauge display 53 for the operator of system 10 to monitor.Alternatively, the reading from the tow gauge can be displayed on adisplay mounted in cab 22. The tow gauge allows the operator to adjustto field towing conditions of drag hose system 10 so that the force onhose 44 is within acceptable limits. Because field conditions affectresistance on hose 44, different field conditions will affect the amountof force on hose 44. Further, the tow gauge can also be used to monitorthe remaining available length of hose 44. As hose 44 is extended to itsfull length, hose 44 tow becomes taut and the tow gauge indicates anincreased, fluctuating force on hose 44.

Applicator assembly 46 extends from rear portion 16 articulating tractor12, and carries a device to work the wastewater into the land. Forexample, applicator assembly 46 can carry an opener such as discs,cultivator shovels or narrow knives. In use, wastewater flows throughhose 44 to boom assembly 30 and is applied to the land by an applicator,such as a splash box (shown in FIG. 3) and applicator assembly 46. Thesplash box deflects the manure and creates a distribution pattern. Inone example, discs on applicator assembly 46 follow behind the appliedwastewater, and work the wastewater into the land. Alternatively,instead of applicator assembly 46, tractor 12 can surface apply thewastewater without further working the wastewater into the land ortractor 12 can carry an injection applicator or a drop hose applicator.Both injection applicators and drop hose applicators apply thewastewater to the soil without a splash box. Injection applicators placethe manure directly into the soil. Drop hose applicators use a pluralityof hoses extending from a boom to place the wastewater into the soil.Drop hose applicators allow the wastewater to be applied closer to thesoil surface. These and other application techniques benefit from theconfiguration of boom assembly 30, and boom assembly 30 can be usedregardless of the application technique used.

The width of applicator assembly 46 depends on several factors includingphysical capabilities of articulating tractor 12 and the volumetric flowrate of wastewater. Increasing the width of applicator assembly 46typically increases its weight, which affects the balance of weightbetween front portion 14 of tractor 12 and rear portion 16 of tractor12. If applicator assembly 46 is too heavy, the weight of rear portion16 will be greater than the weight of front portion 14, causing frontportion 14 to lose traction. In some circumstances, weights can be addedto front axle 20 to balance the weight of front portion 14 and rearportion 16. Further, tractor 12, and more specifically rear axle 26,must be able to support the weight of applicator assembly 46.

The width of applicator assembly 46 also depends on the flow rate ofwastewater. In order to provide consistent, uniform application,applicator assembly 46 should have about the same width as thedistribution pattern of the wastewater. Wider distribution patterns areachieved at higher flow rates. A wider applicator assembly 46 anddistribution pattern are preferable because more land is covered in eachpass, reducing the number of passes required for application. Reducingthe number of passes or trips across a field reduces the applicationtime and reduces the wear on hose 44. Although the outside of hose 44 isabrasion resistant, rocks, stones, sticks and other sharp objectspresent in the field accelerate wear on hose 44 and increasemaintenance. Reducing the number of passes reduces potential contactwith such objects. Further details of hose drag system 10 and boomassembly 30 are shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is a top block view of hose drag system 10 having boom assembly30, which includes boom 36, stops 34 and frame 32 (which includes firstbeam 32A, second beam 32B, third beam 32C and fourth beam 32D). In FIG.2, applicator assembly 46 is not shown for clarity. Frame 32 mounts onrear portion 16 of tractor 12 and supports boom 36 as boom 36 moves orrolls over the top surface of frame 32. First beam 32A, second beam 32B,third beam 32C and fourth beam 32D assemble to form frame 32. Frame 32can be mounted on an articulating tractor 12 available on the market,such as a Case STX 375 tractor. Although frame 32 is illustrated havinga square-shape, frame 32 can have any shape such that frame 32 providessufficient support for boom 36. In one example, beams 32A-32D are hollowsteel beams that are welded to form frame 32.

Stops 34 vertically extend from frame 32 to limit the motion of boom 36.Stops 34 are placed on either side of frame 32 to limit the radialmovement of boom 36. Stops 34 prevent boom 36 from interfering with orhitting cab 22. Stops 34 should be positioned to prevent boom 36 fromhitting cab 22 during turning. In one example, stops 34 are positionedto allow boom 36 to pivot about 70° from either side of Axis A, for atotal rotation of about 140°. Stops 34 also control the angle betweenboom 36 and tractor 12 so that hose 44 does not fall in the path oftractor 12. Stops 34 must be strong enough to stop boom 36 when boom 36is in motion. In one example, stops 34 include an elastomeric material,such as rubber, to soften the interaction or collision between stops 34and boom 36.

Boom assembly 30 works with the articulation of articulating tractor 12,and improves the handling and maneuverability of hose drag system 10.Front portion 14 of tractor 12 includes forward end 14F and rear end14B, and rear portion 16 of tractor 12 includes forward end 16F and rearend 16B. In use, boom 36 radially pivots about pivot point 42 at forwardend 16F of rear end 16. For example, boom 36 pivots about pivot point 42when tractor 12 turns. Boom 36 pivots along a substantially horizontalplane about a vertical axis at pivot point 42. The radial movement ofboom 36 prevents damage to hose 44, such as kinking, and reducesimpediments to the fluid flow.

Pivot point 42 is located such that tractor 12 maintains control overhose 44, even during turning. Pivot point 42 is located forward of rearaxle 26, between rear axle 26 and articulation point 18. In one example,pivot point 42 is about 30.5 cm (12 inches) or more forward of rear axle26. In another example, pivot point 42 is about 40.6 cm (16 inches) ormore forward of rear axle 26. In a further example, pivot point 42 iscloser to articulation point 18 than to rear axle 26. The center ofgravity for articulating tractor 12 with applicator assembly 46 isapproximately at articulation point 18.

Locating pivot point 42 near articulation point 18 and the center ofgravity of tractor 12 (with applicator assembly 46) enables tractor 12to maintain control of hose 44 during turning. The location of pivotpoint 42 improves control of hose drag system 10 because hose 44 andboom assembly 30 shift and assist with turning. The weight of hose 44can burden articulating tractor 12, especially when turning. When boom36 is connected to articulating tractor 12 at a location about equalwith or behind rear axle 26, tractor 12 cannot maintain control of hose44 and boom assembly 30. At such a location, boom assembly 30 does notpivot at the same rate as rear portion 16 turns. Instead, the mass ofhose 44 acts against the turning movement of articulating tractor 12 andproduces considerable back pull on tractor 12. When boom 36 is connectedto articulating tractor 12 at a location about equal with or behind rearaxle 26, hose 44 controls the movement of tractor 12.

By moving pivot point 42 forward of rear axle 26 and closer toarticulation point 18 and the center of gravity of tractor 12 (withapplicator assembly 46), tractor 12 maintains control of hose 44 duringturning. Because of the location of pivot point 42, boom 36 swings intothe turn so that the mass of boom 36 and hose 44 act in the samedirection as tractor 12 and assist with turning. This location of pivotpoint 42 makes it easier to turn hose drag system 10, improving thehandling and maneuverability of hose drag system 10. The improvedhandling and maneuverability of hose drag system 10 is a function of thedistance between pivot point 42 and articulation point 18. The closerpivot point 42 is located to articulation point 18, the more improvedthe handling and maneuverability of hose drag system 10.

The location of articulation point 42 also eliminates the need to makeY-turns. Y-turns involve pulling the tractor forward at a corner or endof a field, reversing to create slack in hose 44 and then continuingforward. Y-turns involve repeated hurried or rushed reversing that ishard on the transmission of the tractor. They also are time consumingand require additional operator concentration. Further, Y-turns causepuddling at the turn locations because of the increased time spent atthese locations. To reduce the amount of puddling, systems requiringY-turns are typically operated at lower flow rates than otherwise arerequired. The improved handling of hose drag system 10 and the locationof pivot point 42, enables system 10 to maintain forward movementthroughout a turn; Y-turns are not necessary with system 10. Eliminatingnecessary Y-turns at the end of each row allows system 10 to be operatedat higher flow rates because puddling during turning is reduced oreliminated. Further, elimination of Y-turns in hose drag system 10reduces wear on the tractor transmission and reduces application time.

The angle hose 44 forms with Axis A of articulating tractor 12 alsoaffects the operation of hose drag system 10. In practice, hose 44 istypically towed by tractor 12 in a serpentine-shaped pattern across afield so that smooth S-shaped curves are formed at the end of each row.In a level field, at a significant distance before or after a turn, boom36 is approximately aligned with Axis A of tractor 12. As tractor 12turns, boom 36 pivots about pivot point 42 in the direction of the turn.If hose 44 forms too large of angle with Axis A, it will fall in thepath of tractor 12, which can result in tractor 12 driving over anddamaging hose 44. Knuckle 38 can additionally control the path of hose44 during turns. By providing additional degrees of freedom, knuckle 38assists in optimizing the angle hose 44 forms with Axis A. Knuckle 38also enables additional slack in hose 44 during turning. During a turn,various boom segments of knuckle 38 can pivot to reduce the tautness ofhose 44. Knuckle 38 enables hose 44 to form smooth curves at turns, andprevents pinching or kinking of hose 44 and inner hose 52. Thus, knuckle38 reduces impediments to flow and increases the fluid flow rate throughhose 44.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of hose drag system 10 illustrating theflow of wastewater through the system which includes, boom 36 (havinginner hose 52), vertical pipe 54, horizontal pipe 56 (including firstportion 56A and second portion 56B), nozzle 58, applicator or splash box60, open bottom 62 and flow meter 64. In use, wastewater flows throughhose 44 to inner hose 52 of boom 36. Inner hose 52 and hose 44 connectat tow yoke 40. Downstream (with respect to the flow of wastewater) oftow yoke 40 is knuckle 38, which is formed by second boom segment 36B,third boom segment 36C, fourth boom segment 36D and fifth boom segment36E. Knuckle 38 provides limited vertical and horizontal movement ofinner hose 52, smoothing the flow path transition from hose 44. Eachboom segment of knuckle 38 cannot pivot more than about 30° from center.Thus, the wastewater flow path is limited to gradual directionalchanges.

After flowing through knuckle 38, the wastewater flows along a generallyhorizontal path through inner hose 52 until pivot point 42. At pivotpoint 42, the wastewater turns 90° to flow through vertical pipe 54, andthen turns another 90° to flow through horizontal pipe 56 to nozzle 58.Nozzle 58 evenly distributes the wastewater across splash box 60, andsplash box 60 deflects the wastewater onto the land through open bottom62 to form a distribution pattern. In one example, nozzle 58 is a squarenozzle.

Splash box 60 evenly distributes the wastewater over a width of land. Itis preferable that the width of distribution is about equal to the widthof applicator assembly 46. This allows all of the wastewater applied tothe soil to be worked in by applicator assembly 46 and prevents adjacentdistribution patterns from unintentionally overlapping.

Flow meter 64 is placed upstream of splash box 60 and downstream ofvertical pipe 54. Flow meter 64 monitors the flow of wastewater throughthe system. In one example, flow meter 64 is an electromagnetic flowsensor. A display can be incorporated in cab 22 or in another locationvisible to the operator so that the application flow rate can bemonitored during application. Monitoring the application flow rateallows the amount of nutrients applied to the soil to be monitored.Further, changes in the application flow rate can indicate changes inthe system, such as when the system is plugged.

To ensure accuracy of flow rate measurements of flow meter 64, flowmeter manufacturers generally recommend that the pipe connected to theinlet of the flow meter have a length at least equal to five times thediameter of that pipe, and that the pipe connected to the outlet of theflow meter have a length at least equal to twice the diameter of thatpipe. This configuration eliminates or reduces turbulent flow throughthe flow meter. The location of flow meter 64 in hose drag system 10allows such manufacturers' recommendations to be met. In one example,first portion 56A of horizontal pipe 56, which is connected to the inletof flow meter 64, has a length equal to about eight times the diameterof horizontal pipe 56, and second portion 56B of horizontal pipe 56,which is connected to the outlet of flow meter 64, has a length equal toabout four times the diameter of horizontal pipe 56.

Flow meter 64 is located between vertical pipe 54 and splash box 60 in arelatively stable, vibration-free location. This further reducesturbulence in flow meter 64. In system 10, flow meter 64 is notsubjected to large, sudden movements and bumping or collision forcessuch as those encountered by boom 36. Flow meter 64 is also notsubjected to a large amount of vibration such as applicator assembly 46.The stable location of flow meter 64 increases the accuracy andreliability of flow meter 64 and reduces potential damage or abuse toflow meter 64.

Wastewater flowing through hose drag system 10 encounters a reducednumber of directional changes, and specifically a reduced number ofsharp directional changes, such as right (90° angle changes. Asdescribed above, fluid flow rate decreases every time the fluid changesdirections. Hose drag system 10 contains only three 90° angle turns, onebetween inner hose 52 and vertical pipe 54, one between vertical pipe 54and horizontal pipe 56 and one upon exiting horizontal pipe 56. Thereduced number of directional changes in hose drag system 10 improvesthe fluid flow rate. Further, a sharper angle, such as a 90° angle,direction change impedes fluid flow to a greater extent than a larger,more gradual angle. Knuckle 38 pivots vertically and horizontally togradually change the vertical and horizontal direction of the fluidflow. The gentle, gradual directional changes of knuckle 38 reducesfluid flow impediments and results in an improved fluid flow rate insystem 10 compared to hose drag assemblies not containing knuckle 38.

The reduced number of 90° turns of hose drag system 10 also simplifiesthe cleaning process. Hose drag systems are cleaned by sending a foampig through the line. The pig removes solid manure from system 10 andprevents small solids from agglomerating and forming large solids, whichcould clog system 10. The simplified piping and the reduced number of90° angle turns in boom assembly 30 makes it easier to direct a pigthrough hose drag system 10.

Impediments to the fluid flow path in hose drag system 10 can be furtherreduced by sizing the diameter of vertical pipe 54 significantly largerthan the diameters of inner hose 52 and horizontal pipe 56. Changing theflow direction of a fluid at a low flow rate is less of a flowimpediment than changing the flow direction at a higher flow rate.Increasing the diameter of vertical pipe 54 relative to the diameters ofinner hose 52 and horizontal pipe 56, reduces the flow rate or speed ofthe wastewater through vertical pipe 54 and through the two 90° angleturns between inner hose 52 and horizontal pipe 56. This providessmoother fluid flow at these turns and reduces flow impediments. In oneexample, vertical pipe 54 has an inner diameter at least about 5 cm (2inches) larger than the inner diameter of inner hose 52 and horizontalpipe 56. In another example, inner hose 52 and horizontal pipe 56 havean inner diameter of about 15.2 cm (6 inches) and vertical pipe 54 hasan inner diameter of about 20.3 cm (8 inches). In a further example,inner hose 52 and horizontal pipe 56 have an inner diameter of about20.3 cm (8 inches) or less and vertical pipe 54 has an inner diameter ofabout 30.5 cm (12 inches) or greater.

The reduced impediments to flow, including the reduced number of 90°turns and the larger diameter of vertical pipe 54 reduce the pressure inhose 44 while increasing the fluid flow rate. Reducing the pressure hasseveral benefits. First, hose 44 is designed to withstand a specificamount of pressure. Reducing the pressure in hose 44 drops the systemfurther below the limits of hose 44. Additionally, reducing the pressurein hose 44 allows a smaller capacity pump to be used or enables a pumpto transfer thicker material or wastewater compared to a typical draghose system. In one example, drag hose system 10 has about a 15%-20%reduction in pressure and about a 15%-20% increase in fluid flow rate.

Knuckle 38 also assists in reducing flow impediments in hose drag system10. FIGS. 4A and 4B show the details of knuckle 38; FIG. 4A is a sideview of knuckle 38 and FIG. 4B is a top view of knuckle 38. Knuckle 38includes second, third, fourth and fifth boom segments 36B, 36C, 36D and36E, respectively, and fasteners 66, 68 and 70. Tow gauges 80 are placedon either horizontal side of knuckle 38 as shown in FIG. 4B to measurethe force on hose 44.

Knuckle 38 permits selected segments of boom 36 to pivot to provideadditional vertical and horizontal freedom to boom 36. As shown, secondboom segment 36B and third boom segment 36C are joined by fastener 66;third boom segment 36C and fourth boom segment 36D are joined byfastener 68; and fourth boom segment 36D and fifth boom segment 36E arejoined by fastener 70. Fasteners 66, 68 and 70 can be any means forfastening two boom segments together while still allowing rotation. Inone example, fasteners 66, 68 and 70 include nuts and bolts. In anotherexample, the distance between fastener 66 and fastener 68 is about 81.3cm (32 inches), the distance between fasteners 70 and 68 is about 21.6cm (8.5 inches), the length of second boom segment 36B is about 88.9 cm(35 inches), the length of third boom segment 36C is about 81.3 cm (32inches) and the length of fourth boom segment 36D is about 33.0 cm (13inches).

Knuckle 38 is configured to permit limited vertical movement of fifthboom segment 36E about a horizontal axis. As shown in FIG. 4A, fifthboom segment 36E pivots about fastener 70 in a horizontal directionrelative to fourth section 36D. In one example, fifth section 36E canpivot about 15° to about 20° from center. That is, fifth section 36E canpivot up to about 15° to about 20° up or down from fourth section 36D.Stop block 72 can be placed under fifth boom segment 36E to preventfurther downward movement.

Knuckle 38 is also configured to permit limited horizontal movement offourth boom segment 36D and third boom segment 36C about a verticalaxis. As shown in FIG. 4B, fourth boom segment 36D pivots about fastener68 in a generally horizontal direction relative to third boom segment36C, and third boom segment 36C pivots about fastener 66 in a generallyhorizontal direction relative to second boom segment 36B. In oneexample, third section 36C can pivot about 25° to about 30° from center.In another example, fourth segment 36D can pivot about 25° to about 30°from center.

The cross-sectional dimensions of segments 36A through 36E differ insize to allow assembly and pivoting. The heights and widths of first andthird boom segments 36A and 36C are larger than those of second boomsegment 36B so that second boom segment 36B fits in telescoping fashionbetween first boom segment 36A and third boom segment 36C. The largecross-sectional difference between second boom segment 36B and thirdboom segment 36C allows third boom segment 36C to pivot with respect tosecond boom segment 36B. Further, the interference between second boomsegment 36B and third boom segment 36C limits the horizontal movement ofthird boom segment 36C. More specifically, the width difference betweensecond boom segment 36B and third boom segment 36C controls the range ofmotion of third boom segment 36C.

Third boom segment 36C also has a larger height and width than fourthboom segment 36D. Third boom segment 36C pivots horizontally withrespect to fourth boom segment 36D. Third boom segment 36C receivesfourth boom segment 36D such that the interference between third boomsegment 36C and fourth boom segment 36D limits the range of motion offourth boom segment 36D. More specifically, the width difference ofthird boom segment 36C and fourth boom segment 36D limits the horizontalmotion of fourth boom segment 36D. Thus, controlling the width ratios ofthird boom segment 36C and fourth boom segment 36D controls the extentfourth boom segment 36D can pivot about fastener 68.

Finally, fifth boom segment 36E has a larger height and width thanfourth boom segment 36D, and fifth boom segment 36E receives fourth boomsegment 36D. Stop block 72 limits the downward vertical motion of fifthboom segment 36D about fastener 70.

The width ratios of second boom segment 36B and third boom segment 36Cand of third boom segment 36C and fourth boom segment 36D can becontrolled to maintain gradual flow path changes and to prevent sharpangles in the wastewater flow path which reduces the flow rate. In oneexample, first boom segment 36A is about 30.5 cm (12 inches) tall andabout 30.5 cm (12 inches) wide, second boom segment 36B is about 27.9 cm(11 inches) tall and about 27.9 cm (11 inches) wide, third boom segment36C is about 30.5 cm tall (12 inches) and about 40.6 cm (16 inches) wideand fourth boom segment 36D is about 27.9 cm (11 inches) tall and about27.9 cm (11 inches) wide. Although first boom segment 36A through fifthboom segment 36E are illustrated having generally rectangularconfigurations, first boom segment 36A through fifth boom segment 36Ecan have any configuration so long as the width ratios of second boomsegment 36B and third boom segment 36C and of third boom segment 36C andfourth boom segment 36D are maintained to allow limited pivoting ofthese boom segments.

Inner hose 52 extends from fifth boom segment 36E to first boom segment36A. Inner hose 52 is flexible so that inner hose 52 bends toaccommodate the pivoting of boom segments 36B through 36E. Boom 36protects inner hose 52 from UV damage and other types of damages such asabrasion wear and cuts.

Tow gauges 80 are placed on either horizontal side of knuckle 36 asillustrated in FIG. 4B. Tow gauges 80 extend between first boom segment36A and second boom segment 36B of boom 36 and measure the force on hose44, as explained further below.

The vertical and horizontal flexibility of knuckle 38 smoothes thetransition from hose 44 to boom 34. For example, attaching hose 44directly to first boom segment 36A results in a sharp angle between hose44 and boom 36, which reduces the wastewater flow rate through hose 44and inner hose 52. In comparison, knuckle 38 smoothes the transitionbetween hose 44 and first boom segment 36A of boom 36 such that no sharpangles are present. Instead, the flow path from hose 44 to first boomsegment 36A is changed through gentle, gradual angles, resulting in animproved wastewater flow rate. The flexibility and freedom of knuckle 38allows the wastewater flow path to be gradually adjusted to the changingvertical and horizontal orientation of boom 36, such as when boom 36pivots. By utilizing gradual changes in direction instead of sharpchanges, the wastewater flow rate is improved. Knuckle 38 also preventskinking or otherwise damaging hose 44, which would greatly reduce thewastewater flow rate.

Knuckle 38 also provides additional slack in hose 44 during turning.During turns, the boom segments of knuckle 38 adjust or pivot to reducethe tension on hose 44. This enables hose 44 to form a smooth curve atturns, which reduces flow impediments and prevents pinching or damaginghose 44. Further, knuckle 38 is configured to prevent hose 44 fromfalling in the path of tractor 12. By adjusting the allowed pivotingmovement of the boom segments of knuckle 38, the path of hose 44 and theangle hose 44 forms with tractor 12 during turns can be controlled.

As mentioned above, articulating tractor 12 can pull with more forcethan hose 44 can withstand. Further, articulating tractor 12 can pullwith more force than hose 44 can withstand without a noticeable effecton tractor 12. Therefore, the force on hose 44 must be monitored toprevent damage to hose 44. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of tow gauge 80,such as a cylinder or hydraulic cylinder, which measures the amount offorce exerted on drag hose 44. Tow gauge 80 extends between first boomsegment 36A and second boom segment 36B of boom 36, and includes firstand second flanges 82A, 82B, first and second fasteners 84A, 84B, piston86 and rod 88. Piston 86 is mounted to first boom segment 36A by firstflange 82A and first fastener 84A. Rod 88 is mounted to second boomsegment 36B by second flange 82B and second fastener 84B. Rod 88 fitswithin piston 86 to form a hydraulic cylinder and slidably connect firstboom segment 36A and second boom segment 36B. As the force on hose 44increases, first boom segment 36A and second boom segment 36B are pulledapart, and rod 88 is pulled, generating pressure on piston 86. Thus, thepressure on piston 86 measures the force on hose 44. The measurementfrom tow gauge 80 can be displayed on a monitor visible to the operatorof the system 10, such as tow gauge display 53 of FIG. 1 or on a displayin cab 22. Allowing too much force on hose 44 can result in failure ofhose 44. For example hose 44 can tear or break free from boom assembly30. This results in discharging wastewater, and replacing the expensivehose. Tow gauge 80 allows the operator to maintain a force on hose 44below a specified value.

Hose drag system 10 improves the application flow rate and decreases theapplication time. By reducing flow impediments, hose drag system 10produces a higher or improved application rate. For example, tests havedemonstrated an application rate of at least 2,700 gallons per minute,with 3,000 gallons per minute a foreseeable and reachable goal. Incomparison, previous hose drag systems were typically capable of up to1,200 gallons per minute. The increased application rate enables agreater amount of wastewater to be applied during the same time period.The increased application flow rate also enables a wider distributionpattern and applicator assembly 46 to be used. This reduces the numberof passes necessary, which further reduces the application time, andreduces wear and required maintenance on the parts of system 10, such ashose 44.

In addition to the increased flow rate, system 10 also has a reducedpressure. For example, tests have demonstrated about a 15%-20% pressurereduction in hose 44 with about a 15%-20% increase in flow rate. Suchpressure reduction increases the failure margin hose 44 is operated atand positively affects the pumping equipment used to pump the wastewaterfrom the storage site to tractor 12.

Boom assembly 30 further decreases application time and machine wear byallowing hose drag system 10 to continue in a forward motion at the endof the field. Typical manure applicators are pulled behind a tractor bya three-point hitch. With these systems, the tractor must make agenerally Y-shaped Y-turn at the end of the field to create slack in thehose in order to prevent pinching or damaging the hose. A Y-turninvolves reversing the tractor for a short distance before continuing ina forward motion in order to reduce the resistance of the hose andenable the tractor to turn. The Y-turn enables the hose to make asmooth, rounded corner such as in a serpentine pattern. However, theY-turn involves repeated hurried or rushed reversing which is hard onthe tractor's transmission. The Y-turn also requires a higher amount ofoperator concentration. Further, the Y-turn results in higherapplication concentrations at the ends of the field, and typically themaximum flow potential through the system is limited to control theamount of puddling or the application rate at the ends of the field.

The location of pivot point 42 improves the maneuverability and handlingof hose drag system 10, and allows tractor 12 to turn at the end of arow in one fluid motion. By locating pivot point 42 ahead of rear axle26, tractor 12 controls boom 36 and hose 44 instead of hose 44controlling tractor 12. As explained above, due to the location of pivotpoint 42, boom 36 and hose 44 swing into the turn and enhance the tuningrather than leveraging against tractor 12. Allowing continued forwardmotion through turns eliminates the necessity of Y-turns and reducestransmission wear in system 10.

Additionally, four-wheel drive articulating tractors, such asarticulating tractor 12, do not include individual rear brakes. Becauseboom 38 assists tractor 12 during turning, the geometry of hose dragsystem 10 allows articulating tractor 12 to turn without brakes.

Although the tractor 12 has been described as pulling applicatorassembly 46 containing an opener, such as discs, tractor 12 canalternatively surface apply the wastewater without further working itinto the ground, or tractor 12 can carry an injector applicator or adrop hose applicator. If tractor 12 carries an injector applicator or adrop hose applicator, splash box 60 is not used. Thus, although thebroadcast width of splash box 60 is not relevant for these types ofapplicators, the flow rate of wastewater remains an important factor,because higher flow rates allow the same application concentration to beapplied at higher field speeds. Therefore, it is also preferable toincrease the flow rate of wastewater through hose drag systemscontaining injector applicators or a drop hose applicators. Further,such systems also benefit from the improved handling and maneuverabilityof system 10 due to the location of pivot point 42, and the reducedpressure on hose 44.

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

1. An apparatus for application of a liquid or liquid-solid solution tosoil, the apparatus comprising: a frame adapted to mount on a tractor,the frame having a front frame end and a rear frame end; a pivot pointat the front frame end; a drag hose having a distal end and a proximalend, the distal end in fluid communication with a source of liquid orsolid-liquid solution; and a boom having a first end and a second end,the first end pivotally attached to the pivot point so that the boom canpivot along a substantially horizontal plane about a vertical axis andthe second end attached to the drag hose, wherein the boom furthercomprises pivotably connected boom segments forming a knuckle.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the pivotably connected boom segmentscomprise: a vertically pivotable boom segment configured to pivot in avertical direction about a horizontal axis; and a horizontally pivotableboom segment configured to pivot in a horizontal direction about avertical axis.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the verticallypivotable boom segment can pivot up to about 30 degrees from center. 4.The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the horizontally pivotable boomsegment can pivot up to about 20 degrees from center.
 5. The apparatusof claim 2, and further comprising: a liquid or solid-liquid solutionapplicator connected to tractor; and a liquid or solid-liquid solutionflow path extending from the drag hose through the boom to theapplicator, wherein the flow path contains three or less turns of about90 degrees or less to minimize flow restrictions on the liquid orsolid-liquid solution.
 6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the tractoris an articulating tractor having a front portion and a rear portionconnected to an articulation point that allows articulated movement ofthe front portion and the rear portion in relation to one another, therear portion having a rear wheel axle and the front portion having afront wheel axle, and wherein the pivot point is positioned about 12inches or more from the rear wheel axle.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6,wherein the pivot point is closer to the articulation point than to therear axle.
 8. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the boom furthercomprises a hydraulic cylinder configured to measure force on the draghose.
 9. An apparatus for application of a liquid or liquid-solidsolution to soil, the apparatus comprising: a frame adapted to mount ona tractor, the frame having a front frame end and a rear frame end; apivot point at the front frame end; a drag hose having a distal end anda proximal end, the distal end in fluid communication with a source ofliquid or solid-liquid solution; and a boom having a first end and asecond end, the first end pivotally attached to the pivot point so thatthe boom can pivot along a substantially horizontal plane about avertical axis and the second end attached to the drag hose, wherein theboom further comprises: a first boom segment; a second boom segment; anda cylinder connecting the first boom segment and the second boom segmentand configured to measure force on the drag hose.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the cylinder is a hydraulic cylinder.
 11. The apparatusof claim 9, wherein the boom further comprises: a plurality of boomsegments; and a knuckle configured to permit limited horizontal andvertical movement of the boom segments.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9,wherein the tractor is a an articulating tractor having a front portionand a rear portion connected to an articulation point that allowsarticulated movement of the front portion and the rear portion inrelation to one another, the rear portion having a rear wheel axle andthe front portion having a front wheel axle, and wherein the pivot pointis positioned about 12 inches or more from the rear wheel axle.